Grasp-Trunk

Using the trunk to grasp the trunk of another. This is most often observed when mothers and allomothers grasp the trunk of a newborn, apparently to get its attention back to the mother or allomother, for instance to induce it to Follow, or to Suckle, or to Help it. For example, we observed an allomother grasp and lift the trunk of an infant who was submerged and appeared to be drowning; a mother who grasped the trunk of an infant who was sneezing; as well as mothers who grasped the trunks and covered the mouths of calves Crying in distress. Mothers and allomothers are often observed to grasp the trunks of newborns apparently directing them to Suckle, using the behavior to lift the head of the infant toward the breast, or to Follow, doing the same together with a Trunk-Sweep motion and steps forward. One video shows a male moving an infant out of the way by grasping it by the trunk in an attempt to move it to the side. Grasp-Trunk has also been observed in an unusual situation in which an adolescent female repeatedly grasped the trunk of a younger brother to engage in Allo-Trunk-Sucking. Grasp-Trunk is also often observed in the context of Social Play. Grasp-Trunk may also be observed when elephants are highly aroused and gathered together in a Bonding-Ceremony, when Reach-Touch may become a brief Grasp-Trunk. 

References: Poole 2011, Poole & Granli 2021. (Full reference list)

This behavior occurs in the following context(s): Affiliative, Calf Nourishment & Weaning, Calf Reassurance & Protection, Movement, Space & Leadership, Social Play

Grasp-Trunk

Context: Calf Reassurance & Protection (1)

This is the MB family and Malati's daughter, Marshmallow, has a newborn male who is being looked after by three juvenile females. In this clip he is with the youngest allomother. After trying to Comfort-Suckle with her she Grasps-Trunk and pulls it upward. We hear a kind of rubber-band sound as she releases his trunk. (Amboseli, Kenya)

Grasp-Trunk

Context: Calf Reassurance & Protection (2)

Angelina has newborn twins only a couple of days old. Allomother Arora B Shepherds the male away from Angelina apparently so that she can "practice" Comfort-Suckling. She adopts a Suckle-Stance and then, when he doesn't try to Suckle she reaches to Grasp-Trunk and seems to try to direct him to Suckle. She Coo-Rumbles to him - as does Amora, who joins them, and he gives a Husky-Cry. She continues to Grasp-Trunk also moving her trunk as if to cover his mouth as he cries - we have seen this before. There is more Coo-Rumbling by both and another softer Husky-Cry. Arora B perhaps feels crowded by Amora and Shepherds him forward again, where she stops in a Suckle-Stance and again Grasps-Trunk as if to encourage him to Comfort-Suckle. (Amboseli, Kenya)

Grasp-Trunk

Context: Calf Reassurance & Protection (3)

Angelina has newborn twins only a couple of days old. Allomothers Aspen (sister) and Arora B fondle one of the twin's trunk, repeatedly taking it in their own as if they are fascinated by its size and feeling. (Amboseli, Kenya)

Grasp-Trunk

Context: Calf Reassurance & Protection (4)

Noyeau has a newborn who keeps wandering off to explore. Two allomothers, 2.4 years and less than 2 years are very attentive and keep bringing the infant back to his mother. In this clip the little allomother Grasps-Trunk twice as if to get the infants attention. (Amboseli, Kenya)

Grasp-Trunk

Context: Movement Space & Leadership (1)

A female with assymetrical tusks is coming into estrus and a medium sized male has been following her. This female is followed by a newborn female who seems to belong to another mother in the group. The male comes to test the female and the newborn begins to investigate the male with her trunk. The male is disturbed by the presence and touching of the infant and grasps the infant by the trunk and lifts her up such that the infant's forelegs are off the ground. We can see the infant struggling and hear a slight sound from her. Then he releases her. An allomother and the infant's mother both quickly pull the infant toward them with their trunks and the male continues his interest in the estrus female. (Amboseli, Kenya)

Grasp-Trunk

Context: Social Play (1)

Two calves are at play. The older calf turns away and Kicks-Back at the younger calf. Then Orients-Toward the younger calf again and they Push one another and the older calf Grasp-Trunk x 2. In the next scene they become rougher and the 5 year old female on the left intervenes to break it up (Allomother-Intervention). (Amboseli, Kenya)